Step 1: Software

The heart of this machine is a Raspberry PI, a low cost small footprint computer. It runs linux so it's easy to write and deploy code on it. It also has a GPIO (General Purpose Input/Output) connector which we can control.

The code is pretty basic and written in python

I use the Raspian distro on my Raspberry Pi.

First, I installed Python, WiringPI and WiringPI-Python.

Next, I export the pins I will be using. I need two pins as outputs, so in a shell I type:

gpio export 18 out
gpio export 23 out

Now I can play around with pin 18 and 23.

Next, I write a python script to allow me to input exposure time, interval and number of shots. Here it is:

Gahhh, this is so awesome. I started to mess-around with the Arduino and Raspberry-Pi lately and this was the exact thing I wanted to build. As soon as I have completed building this I'll be sure to share it...

Hello....! I really like your concept, and would like to build something similar...I bought the Raspberry Pi a while ago, and will try to make something with the thing. Not that into Linux, so there is some work to do there...I might find some info in here, that can explain for me in detail. Keep up the good work, and thank you for sharing..!

A simple elegant project, nicely executed. Those with Canon cameras that use CHDK will be able to use a 5v source to trigger the shutter, requiring only a tiny modification to your original configuration.

One could also easily modify this to rotate the camera and perform automated panorama photos.

Great job! Could you please give more info about software and hardware. Where can I get that control unit? Maybe there is some special instructions found on internet for programming timelapse controller? if possible please post here or email me emils@emils.lv